these links might help for kauai

http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/guides/beach/seasonal_surf_trends.php

http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/ocean_report/

I have no firsthand knowledge on jellyfish

Have been there many times over the past 35 years - and snorkeled and dove pretty much all over the islands - with the exception of Lanai. Sep is sort of a "shoulder" month - and there may not necessarily be big surf anywhere - but you never know when some swells might roll in due to storms out at sea.

Usually the very big surf comes in the winter on the North Shores (Waimea bay for Oahu, Hanalei Bay for Kauai - "Jaws" for Maui) - and then it's flat up there in the summer (was very disappointed to finally get to the fabled curl at Pipeline - which was flat as a pancake in the summer) - and there is some surf kicking up on the south shores, but rarely as big as the winter storms. Wind can also have a strong effect.

Usually - if you go early - it's the calmest with the best visibility. And hey - you can just look at the ocean and tell if there is much surf - but still best to ask around about where you are going and if there are any rip tides/undertow.

If you are ever caught in a rip tide/undertow - don't fight it - but rather swim parallel to shore until you find where the surf is going in and ride that in/toward the beach.

It also helps to wear fins - as they give you more swimming/kicking power.

People unfortunately panic and exhaust themselves swimming against the rip tide and then get swept further out to sea.

Jellyfish - I have been fortunate to avoid altogether when in Hawaii (or any other waters for that matter) but again, check local conditions when you arrive.

Here is a calendar re: Jellyfish in Hawaii. Again, check local conditions and ask around for the best info:

http://www.to-hawaii.com/jellyfishcalendar.html

The only thing I would add is that beaches that normally have calm waves in a given season will sometimes have days of strong, dangerous surf if a storm is passing. So there is often surprise variability in the conditions. So when in Hawaii, it is advised to check weather and surf conditions everyday. The local newspapers and local news stations give excellent daily reports.

Thx everyone for the info!
And special thx to Tomsd for jellyfish calender - looks like we should be OK (if the jellyfish behave like they are supposed to - lol)

You're welcome. I was surprise to hear of jellyfish being in Hanauma Bay - which can happen I guess depending on various conditions, full moon, tides, whatnot.

As Montb advises: Check daily for what the conditions are expecte to be and then eyeball it yourself when you arrive.

Who knew that jellyfish had their own calendar?
I try to watch local news when in Maui to get the marine forecast. Dive shop employees also have current information about surge and visibility.
Always take the time to observe the surf conditions before entering the water. Sets of large waves can be intermittent.

There are 2 types of "jellies" here on Oahu:

Box jellies (hit mostly the southern side of Oahu 10 days after a full moon)

Portugese Man-o-War (which are jelly fish at all)

The Box jellies are nasty things but easily avoided by not going to those beaches on the days they are due. Usually there is a 3-4 day window that they will show up. There is plenty to do on the rest of the island during those 3-4 days.

Man-o-war OTOH are not so easy to avoid. They are usually ALWAYS at the windward beaches of Kailua, Lanikai and Waimanalo. (I live in Kailua and am at the beach almost daily). They are purple bubbles that float on the surface and are blown to shore with the trade winds. Yesterday it was lightly breezy at the beach and choppy. But not man-o-war. The stings hurt but are not deadly. They are like a right of passage here in Hawaii.

Easy to know if man-o-war are around - just walk down the beach for 15 min or so. If you see purple bubbles that have been washed up on shore, you know they are around.

When in doubt, go to the north shore! Even if the surf is up, you can spend all day hunting for puka shells on the beach or tide pooling.

Mahalo Hulagirl. Good post and info for all beach-goers.

Thx for all the help!

As Tomsd said, September is a shoulder month as far as water conditions on Oahu. Typically I use Labor Day as a benchmark as the end of my diving season on the North Shore, though certainly there are still flat days past that.

Usually any swells that come in at that time will be on the small side, though if you are not familiar with the conditions and/or are a good swimmer you may want to avoid going in the water those days.

The South side beaches are the reverse, with the summer swells subsiding. Many of the south side beaches are pretty much flat year round on the inner portion anyway, where most swimmers and snorkelers would be. Care should be taken if you are going to Sandy's or Halona, though.

Yo chepar: Long time ago - I was body surfing once at Sandy's - right out among the surfer guys (with boards) and they were cool. I had a good tan and guess I looked like I knew what I was doing - and didn't get in their way - and I definitely stayed away from the shore break.

Didn't want a broken neck getting hammered into the beach.

Oh yea. Had on my duckie fins.

Thx chepar

Specific Sept info is very useful.

I think we will checkout Kailua but probably skip the North shore beaches, we thought about. Any idea what Pupukea would be like or Waimea (the pix of Waimea in the winter scare the heck out of me). My DH is a very strong swimmer and snorkeler. I am just OK.

Anyone know specific Maui beach info for Sept (we will be there for 2 days). We were thinking of the Kihei area and maybe snorkeling at Ahini Kinau?

Also Kauai? I am pretty sure Anini would be OK but what about Tunnels?

We were on Kauai in the middle of September last year, staying close to Tunnels. There were a couple days of swells, when they put warning cones on the beach at Tunnels, but otherwise, conditions were fine for snorkeling.

Flat as a pancake - probably for all of them, but you never know for sure, so that's why you ask around/check the paper, and then yourself when you arrive - check the conditions. Again - you are in a "shoulder" month in Sep - which is pretty much true for all the islands. There might be a little stuff going on the West side, whatever.

My friend owns a house right on the side of Waimea Bay - and he complains in the big surf - dead winter - the photographers tramble all over their garden.

In Sep - flat. But it's still worth a drive around the beautiful North Shore of Oahu - and have a shave ice in Haliewa.

For Kauai - Tunnels and a bit further down - at the end of the road - Ke'e are fine, as will Anini, and even Lumahi -which is very beautiful. They are all the North Shore of Kauai - which again, will most likely be glass - especially in the mornings, when the wind hasn't come up, etc.

However - there is one poster in here who would have you believe you will get swept out to sea by just standing on the beach sand. Geesh.

Also - wear fins which give you more power - and also make it easier to glide thru the water with less disturbance, so you don't spook the fish when snorkeling.

Here is a page on Maui's Ahii Kinau - which looks very inviting. Also - if you get up by Kanapali - the Black Rock by the old Sheraton is usually very good for snorkeling - and easy to swim out/along - safe - unless the surf is kicking up. Just park in the parking lot and walk in.

Last time I was there - 4? years ago - some 20 year olds - nieces and nephews of a Maui fried of ours - were jumping off the other side/north side of Black Rock - and it's a good jump - 30 feet or more. Were I younger - I would have done it - but too many years and now - a few extra pounds - so I would hit the water pretty hard. http://tinyurl.com/7av3c87

http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/ahihi_kinau.html

Uno Mas: You hear a lot about Tunnels and I have both snorkeled and dove there - and it's nice - but I/we prefer Ke'e beach - as it's easier to get to (end of the road parking lot - but don't leave valuables in the rental car) - and has nice things to see along the reef.

Once I saw some good size Barracuda at the bottom of the trench on the left side (where it goes out to sea) and told some local guys - and they were jazzed as they had brought their Hawaiian Slings and were going spear fishing. We were leaving so no idea if they were successful.

Ke'e is also a great place to watch the sunset. We often take picnic lunches - sandwiches or sushi/sashimi - and after a swim/snorkel - have a little snack while enjoying the beautiful sandy beach - and looking up at the green cliffs, which are also fun to hike

Just don't go right after a rain shower as the trial can get muddy/slippery.

You will have to check the surf forecast (try www.surfnewsnetwork.com) a couple of days before you plan to go to the beach for a general outlook or the day before or day of for a more specific forecast to know the conditions.

Any swell is usually on the smaller side in late September, nothing like the winter surfing waves you see in pictures. Waimea has lifeguards, Pupukea (Shark's Cove and Three Tables) do not (although there is a fire station between the two sites).

Shark's Cove and Three Tables are my favorite diving spots on the North Shore. Keep in mind that even though the swell conditions may be pretty flat, there can be moderately strong currents on some days, and on other days it's like a bathtub.

Even if you're just snorkeling, fins are a good idea.

Wow - thx all for the great links and advice.

Rough plan for various islands: (feel free to comment)

Oahu: (we have 5 full days here - so lots of time)
swim: Kailua and Ala Moana and/or Kuhio beach
snorkel: Hanauma Bay and maybe Pupukea
Maybe go to Waimea

Kauai: (only 1.5 days)
Check out Ke'e and Tunnels first thing in the AM
Anini is our fall back beach (we have been there before so I know it is nearly always safe).

Maui: (2 days) but only 1 beach day
Check out: Ahi'i Kinau and Kihei area

Big Island: only 1 day for snorkeling - we are leaning towards Kealakakua Bay (been there before and loved it)

I will check conditions when we are there.

I don't want to pack fins but I am definitely now leaning towards renting some from Snorkel Bob's. I don't have powerful legs so I think I could really use the assist (DH is a cyclist so even without fins he can really move but if we go to Snorkel Bob's we will all get them. (He is more daring than me - so I feel better when he uses fins.)

Also I need a new snorkel (mine broke on it's last trip through the luggage crusher). Should I get one before we go? Or are Snorkel Bob's prices and selection good? I am a gagger so I need a silicon mouthpiece that is small.

Your other choice on the Big Island would be "two step" at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, which I think is better than Kealakekua. Plus, you have to get over to the monument at Kealakekua, and except for swimming the 1.5 miles, the only legit way to do that is to go with a guided kayak tour or on a boat.

Hanalei is also often calm.

I don't know much about the selection Snorkel Bob's has but they have a very nice system of being able to rent equipment on one island and return them at another. They have weekly rentals that work well for this.

My cousin's family that were visiting a couple years ago took advantage of this - rented in Waikiki and returned the equipment somewhere in Maui.

I thought about 2-step - which would be no problem for my husband but could be for me (short legs, bad balance and bad knees). I would probably end up scraping myself up.

If we do Kealakakua - it will be from a boat.

Will check out Hanalei too.

tomsd said

"However - there is one poster in here who would have you believe you will get swept out to sea by just standing on the beach sand. Geesh."

I think he is referring to me, since he has posted a lot of inaccurate and dangerous advice on other threads, as well as this one. And then he follows me around the forums as far as a NYC thread in which he mocks me for bragging about helping to save a dog at a place in which he claims the surf is always like glass.

I have no interest in this poster defending their right to post dangerous crap about ocean conditions. I do care about newcomers to the islands that even with common sense might not fully understand the dangers of swimming on an island in the middle of the pacific ocean.

After my first dozen trips to the islands - 2 weeks at a time, I have stopped counting. I have been fortunate to be in very dangerous situations in the oceans of hawaii and came thru to tell the tale. I have witnessed rescues. I have been to the emergency room, and I have had the opportunity to hang with Kauai Search and Rescue members.

I enjoy swimming in high surf. But I know the risks. I don't fear the water, but respect the changing conditions.

September is one of those months that you can get very calm waters and very dangerous waters. It is a transitional month. So to suggest that the waters will be like glass and safe is just reckless.

You really have no clue as to my experience, but continue to post your little funny phrases about my character. You are dangerous and a menace to people who are looking for safety advice.

To continue to attack me and make jokes about me on any thread you can is childish and disrespectful to those looking for real advice on ocean safety. To make jokes about rescuing people and dogs as an exaggeration is not only not cute, it is DANGEROUS.

Oh my golly: The sky is falling again.

And what's the huge difference between swimming in the Ocean at Hawaii or off the California Coast?

Hey - if you swim in high surf - then expect some rough treatment from the ocean. And BTW - NEVER have I advised anyone to go out in high surf. Period.

And I tell people - to also check local conditions and uno mas - eyeball things yourself once you get there.

Also - if the water is flat/like glass - then is it dangerous and reckless to go swimming/snorkeling there?

I also advise that you wear fins when snorkeling or swimming - as that gives you some extra power.

And I always like to have my own mask when I go over. It's easier to fit one when you take your time and shop around if you have to - and then even test it out at home in a pool, etc. Masks don't take much room - and you can rent fins, etc - when you get over there.

It appears Snorkel Bob's carries the latest stuff - but again, I would rather have my mask ahead of time.

"Oh my golly: The sky is falling again."

This type of sarcasm endangers first time visitors.

Your continual harping about dangerous this and reckless that is a dis-service to any visitor - as the first time they find out you are wrong/crying wolf - they will probably ignore anything else you have to say.

And you hang out with the Kauai Search and Rescue guys?

"I have been fortunate to be in very dangerous situations in the oceans of hawaii and came thru to tell the tale. I have witnessed rescues. I have been to the emergency room, and I have had the opportunity to hang with Kauai Search and Rescue members.

LOL: They probably figure it's better to have you close at hand rather than having to go pull you out of the ocean again.

There is a big difference in advice from an experience water person and a novice asking for advice.

I would not recommend much to except to say, swim at guarded beaches, swim with a buddy, check in with local life guards and dive shops for surf conditions and local advice about the beaches you plan to go to.

Swimming with fins, how to use a mask, where to swim, how to avoid undertows, how to swim, etc are all advice I would not give over a chat room.

Nanabee: Do not understand your point?

How many guarded beaches are there in all of Hawaii - and how many thousands of people swim at the beaches every without incident?

Taking the advice I have given - and using some common sense and basic checking around - you should not be at a huge risk.

Better to read what has been posted here - (check conditions, don't go if the surf is kicking up, wear fins, go early in the day, etc) - than for a novice to just go jump in the water, don't you think?

I am saying a person who is unfamiliar with an area or who isn't a big beach go-er in general should basically remember these basic rules: only swim at guarded beaches, check with the lifeguards on duty as to the safety conditions OR check with local experts at local dive shops for information regarding beach conditions and safety.

I would not attempt to solicit information from someone on line about conditions. Information like wear fins is silly. I swim at the beach locally and that has nothing to do with beach or swim safety. It maybe a personal choice, I never wear them. Checking around is also poor advice - if you don't know where the underwater currents are that you won't find them by "looking around" you need to ask the lifeguards.

I don't think a novice should jump in the water, but I do think they should check with life guards and only swim at guarded beaches.

Maybe that's just me.

Responding to your post on my comments. The snorkeling was at Keauhou Bay. If you are driving from Kona South on Alii, the public parking lot is the last driveway on the right before you get to the Outrigger Resort. That's where the NFP snorkel rental was set up.

nanabee: If everybody followed your advice who traveled to Hawaii - there would be very few people going in the warm Ocean in Hawaii, which is a big reason why they go there.

The vast majority of beaches in Paradise do not have lifeguards and a lot of people are swimming at most of the beaches - every day - at least in the spring, summer and fall.

Again, people go to Hawaii expecting to swim in the Ocean - and IMO it's far better they read in here - about suggestions of how to better swim/snorkel and be somewhat forewarned about possible tough conditions, don't go out in big/high surf, go early in the morning, and yes,
DO wear fins - as that most definitely is not silly despite your experience swimming around here in SD - and all such advice is far better than nothing at all.

And btw - people HAVE asked about swimming/snorkeling in Hawaii - just as this thread is entitled: Hawaii - Ocean Conditions??

I continuously say - if - repeat if - and hopefully they have heeded the other info about not going into big surf, are wearing fins - have checked out local conditions ahead of time - are going early in the morning - when it is usually the calmest - and ergo the best visibility -

uno mas - I continually warn that IF you are caught in an undertow/rip tide - don't fight it but rather swim parallel to the beach and then work your way back in when the waves are breaking toward the beach.

People panic and wear themselves fighting the rip tide/undertow - and get swept further out to sea and then can't stay on top before help arrives, which hopefully it will.

As for Big Island - by Kona - south on Ali drive about 4? miles, I think the best - easiest - safest place is Kahaluu Park - which has good fish and is a favorite also with locals - and many families with young kids go there.

It is sort of Kona's Hanamalu.

see: http://www.hale-hoola.com/Kahaluu-Beach-Park.htm

I think that's Kahalu'u, cnelmor. The condo we were in last week was within 1/2 mile, but we decided not to snorkel there. Snorkel Bob's informational flyer said that the U of Hawaii recently asked all snorkel shops in Kona to discourage snorkeling at Kahalu'u in order to give the reef there a chance to heal. Judging by what I saw, it does take a lot of abuse.

Regarding the other discussion, isn't Lumahai Beach sometimes referred to as "Luma-Die", Tomsd?

22tango that is exactly why I think ocean safety from non locals and local experts on the area is questionable.

In very general terms, very loose general terms advice is ok but should be taken with a grain of salt.

btw, tom, it's una mas.

meant to type "from non locals" and not include "and local experts on the"

I hear a "Sheesh" or a "Geesh" coming.

Just posted this on another thread about Kauai - and I think it also applies here:

At the risk of receiving a "flood" of responses - I did some checking and please do double check these "facts" - but it appears Kauai currently receives over a million visitors a year - and averages about 10 drownings per year. That's currently - and this is an older table for 1970 to 1999. http://www.teok.com/Drownings/drownmap.html

California by contrast has some 4,000 drownings a year, including about 400 from boating related mishaps.

And while this older chart (again - for the 30 years from 1970 to 1999 on Kauai) - averages a little over six drownings per year during this timeframe - you can see where they have occurred with the most frequency.

Now you don't want to be one of those stats - but the number is quite low compared to all the people who visit.

Again, check on the local conditions before you head the beach/water, and if the surf is kicking up - don't go in.

Some years ago - after a beautiful hike of two miles from Ke'e beach - I stood close to shore in the water in Hanakapiai - which had some nice waves breaking further out - and could feel the pull on my calves - and had heard that it had some strong undertow - so I didn't go in to body surf.

I was looking/checking up and down the beach and there were some places were you could come back in - but you would have had to climb some rocks to get out, plus some locals say the next landfall would be Australia.

To the OP -

When you are on Oahu and take your drive to Kailua, check out Lanikai beach. It is my favorite beach. Beautiful turquoise water. You have to park in a residential area but we never have trouble finding a spot. I have been there many times and it isn't usually rough at all. I am not a strong swimmer so I am very cautious.

We have rented from Snorkel Bob's severalntimes and been happy with them. I got a prescription mask since I am nearsighted so that was nice.

Have a wonderful trip!

OP -- You plan to visit FOUR islands in two weeks? You are going to spend serious time in airports. Can you change this? Maybe drop the *Very Big* Big Island?

If you are very interested in sealife...concentrate on Maui and Big Island. The quality and quantity diminishes as you go north in the islands. Big Island has the best, but Maui has the most easy-access beaches.

September is Hawaii's hottest month, and ocean conditions are starting to switch from calmer north to calmer south -- depends on the indiviual year...and day! Spend a few minutes watching the locals, checking the tides, undertow, etc. before you snorkel out.

Advice or the recommendation to wear fins while snorkeling is not silly, IMO.

The use of fins does nothing except to give the swimmer a little more power to their kick, making snorkeling and/or swimming a little easier. Its use alone does not create a dangerous situation for a novice. What might create a dangerous situation is the use of fins giving the novice swimmer/snorkeler an inflated sense of competence or safety, whereby they do not exercise their normal cautions.

I will not comment about the beach conditions on Kauai, Maui or the Big Island as I feel I have not been to them often enough to give advice. However, as someone who was born and raised on Oahu and has spent pretty much my entire life frequenting many of the beaches here, I will say that none of the beaches mentioned by the OP for Oahu are particularly dangerous in September.

The general advice to check the conditions whether it be by surf report, lifeguard, local etc. is pretty much standard and a visual check of the conditions before jumping in is always in order. Many popular beaches in Hawaii do not have lifeguards. Everyone needs to decide for themselves whether they are comfortable swimming somewhere where there is no lifeguard.

Well Tomsd, you have really outdone yourself this time. Posting inaccurate information on on multiple threads.

I would really love to see those stats on 4000 deaths in the state of CA per year. It is my understanding that there are about that many drownings in the whole country per year, and that includes the majority being in swimming pools and bathtubs.

Hawaii is not proud to usually be the winner or the runnerup of the most Ocean Drownings per Capita.

This is an interesting article I read last year. It is not scientific, but a compilation by the author of places suggested by their readers that deserve due caution. It is pretty accurate.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/07/22/hawaii_danger_tourist_death.DTL&ao=all

I was very impressed by this site that was recommended.

http://oceansafety.ancl.hawaii.edu/v/2.0/

Oh and Una Mas as yee like to say. . . the reason one should never swim at the base of a river is not because of riptides, but because the murky water makes one more susceptable to waterborn disease and inintentional shark attacks. Just sayin'

Just trying to keep it real.

Looking glass, one misconception is that a rip current is a current that moves sideways to the shore line. This is one example but often in Hawaii (especially at Tunnels in Kauai and Waimea Bay on Oahu) it can be a strong river current that sucks or pulls one out to sea very quickly, without much time to swim sideways thru it. Any beach that is known for strong currents is not a place I would go or recommend unless there are lifeguards, and I am a very strong swimmer.

thanks nanabee, we all have much to learn. And that doesn't make us scaredy cats!!! Just concerned fellow travelers. Aloha

I just posted this on another site in response to lookg.

And yes - you don't normally want to snorkel near the river mouths as it is murky.

nanabee: Read up more on rip currents. Any river flow that might cause something of a cross current when it reaches the sea - loses it's force as you head down or up the beach.

As for Tunnels - assuming that's Haena as shown on the chart/table - from 1970 to 1999 - - you will see it had a total of 9 drownings. There were 3 more down the beach at Ke'e - and again - for the area - which attratcs many many visitors every day - that's a total of 12 for those 30 years. http://www.teok.com/Drownings/drownmap.html

If you want to see a really strong current - check out the chart I posted and look at Hanakapiai - (the two mile hike from Ke'e beach) - where the steep cliffs deflect the current down/along the shoreline. But that is a special case and that beach is well known for being dangerous.

The post:

First of all - lookg - those are not accurate quotes, and are also taken out of context.

Secondly - specifically what is the bad advice?

Surely I have not advised to go out in big surf as you did and wind up being rescued?

sylvia: Once more: The number of drownings in Hawaii is quite low when you consider all the people that go to the beach there - every day. Hawaii is a small community - and the word spreads - and yes, they also have some colorful descriptions - such as "Luma-die" for Lumahai - yet over the years - on average - there has been less than a drowning a year at Lumahai.

If you read the table - from 1970 to 1999 - almost 30 years - they reported 18 drownings at Lumahai - total.
http://www.teok.com/Drownings/drownmap.html

That is about one every other year. Now you can have a cluster or two or three any single year - but that was the average for 30 years, even though it might be a little higher currently with some 1.1 million visiting Kauai every year.

Nowadays - with ever heightened concern - due in no small part to the lucrative tourist dollar - you have much more coverage of such events/drownings - but again - those were the averages for "Luma-die".

My former boss - who was the Coast Guard Officer in charge of Kauai - after WWII - said even once in a while - a local can drown - but by and large - again - the number of such incidents is quite low - compared to the number of days a lot of people go to the beach.

And when it's calm - virtually nobody ever gets swept off the beach in Hawaii. There are places where rogue waves can hit - but you need some big surf for that (what you also usually need are some cross-currents) - or perhaps if you are standing out on a rock/reef offshore - a smaller wave could knock you down and you could wind up in the water and in a current - but again, in calm conditions - by the beach - you are usually quite safe.

Now - if you are by one of the few river mouths - there is a current going out to sea there - but that is usually for the bigger rivers - such as the Wailua and to a lesser degree - by the south end of Anini beach.

Just stay downbeach from any river mouth and you will be fine.

"California by contrast has some 4,000 drownings a year, including about 400 from boating related mishaps."

>>OP -- You plan to visit FOUR islands in two weeks? >>

Yes because on my 2nd week I am on a cruise - NCL POA - which goes to Maui, Big Island and Kaui. 1st 6 days and last 2 days I am on Oahu.

>>You are going to spend serious time in airports. Can you change this? Maybe drop the *Very Big* Big Island? <<

Nope for the above reason.

Yes, that number was apparently for the US - but it doesn't change the fact that there are a relatively low number of dwownings in Kauai - 10 or less per year - where over 1.1 million people now visit annually.

And they are working hard to prevent more drownings on Kauai - trying to get out more information/warnings and post more lifeguards - cone off areas if they are dangerous - but with that many people visiting, no matter what you do - some people will still get into trouble.

In summary - check out the local conditions - including asking around about where you are going to go swim/snorkel, and I suggest you go early in the morning when it's usually the calmerst/best visibility - DON'T go in high surf, wear fins - and try to have someone with you to seek help if somebody gets into trouble.

And if you do find yourself being drug offshore, DO NOT fight it head on - but rather swim sideways to the beach and eventually you should be able to work your way back in.

Hey - even if you are flying among say 3 islands in two weeks - the flights are short in Hawaii and you can easily navigate your way around the smaller/outer-island airports.

One of us goes to get the rental car while the other waits for the luggage (assuming we have checked something) and we are driving through the wonderful trade wind breezes in seemingly no time.

Thx for all the advice and concerns - but you really don't need to worry too much about my safety - I am VERY cautious (because on my last trip to Hawaii (at of all places Kaanapali!!!) - I got knocked over and sucked out a bit by a rogue wave - DH and a bystander got me out and only my dignity was hurt). I actually worry a bit more about DH BECAUSE he is such a strong swimmer.

One more question - is there a rip current at Tunnels?
I am not sure if I want DH snorkeling there if there is because he will go out much further than I ever would.

Thx again for all the info - more knowledge is good.

Most information from dive shops, surfers, divers, and lifeguards is: >>It is highly recommended that you swim at beaches with a lifeguard on duty.>>

<<And they (lifeguards) are working hard to prevent more drownings on Kauai -trying to get out more information/warnings and post more lifeguards>>

Which proves my point that if you are a tourist to Hawaii (regardless of how strong a swimmer you are) wise advice is to always swim at guarded beaches.

If the cities in Hawaii are working hard to increase life guards and their drownings are less than the states - maybe it's because of the importance of swimming at guarded beaches being a priority to the communities in Hawaii.

btw, your stats are not correct tomsd according to a news article:in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/26/us/26hawaii.html

>>Seventy-one people drowned in Hawaii in 2004, 58 of them in the ocean. The toll was the highest here in 15 years, but then was eclipsed by last year’s total of 77.

It is not just the millions of tourists who are at risk. Nearly half of all drowning victims are residents, a statistic that gives Hawaii an exceptionally high per-capita rate. The state’s Department of Health reports that from 1999 to 2003, 9.7 people drowned for every 100,000 residents, more than double the national rate of 4.7. That made the state’s rate for the period second only to that of Alaska, where fishing accidents account for a large share of drownings.

The City and County of Honolulu maintains a staff of 200 professional lifeguards, the nation’s largest, who perform thousands of ocean rescues each year here on Oahu. But many drownings occur outside the lifeguards’ watch, at unguarded beaches around the state.>>

Again this is why your lifeguard friends recommend more guards and better prevention.

My stats are for the island of Kauai, which gets about 1.1 million visitors per year currently - not all of the Hawaiian isles - which receive over 7 million visitors annually - and includes Oahu, Maui (which gets the most visitors outside of Oahu), Hawaii/Big Island, Molokai and Lanai.

And of course lifeguards want more lifeguards - as that's more employment for everyone. They would also probably suggest you hire a tour guide as well.

And semiamis: What time of year was it and how big was the surf at Kaanapali when you got knocked down?

BTW - here is some info for Tunnels - and no idea what river empties there? This page suggests you should stay by the inner reef - as it doesn't have the currents the outer reef might have and is supposedly just as good of snorkeling as at the outer reef.

We have snorkeled there - and even dove there - but really haven't been there when any surf has been up, which again, you should check out wherever you go.

And this page says the lifeguards at nearby Haena Beach park keep something of an eye on Tunnels?

http://www.hawaiigaga.com/kauai/beaches/tunnels-beach.aspx

Yes, there is a rip current at Tunnels, but it should be weak when you're there. Plus, the current generally flows in the direction of Haena Beach, which makes it less problematic. Still, I'd check with the lifeguard at Haena Beach, since you'll probably end up parking there anyway.

Ooops! Sorry to be repeat Tomsd's advice.

22tango: Glad to read your contribution.

Tomsd:
I was at Kanapali in April when I got knocked down

How big were the waves?

BTW - Nanabee: Part of the reason there are a number of locals who drown in the ocean is so many of them swim there every day, and some - the younger guys for the most part - are out in the biggest surf, etc.

Have you ever driven around Oahu - during a summer weekend? On the Kailua side - from there up to Kahuku (where the old sugar mill was) - just about every beach was packed with Hawaiian families camping out for the weekend - and/or staying for longer than that.

Oh yes, sadly - booze and/or Pakalolo is involved in ocean fatalities a fair amount of the time.

"Oh yes, sadly - booze and/or Pakalolo is involved in ocean fatalities a fair amount of the time."

Now you're just making stuff up.

Unless of course you have read the autopsies.

Tomsd:
Most of the time not that big (1 maybe 2 feet MAX)but the one that got me was significantly bigger. My DH who was onshore watching said that as soon as I got into the water (not deep)- boom - about 3/4 larger waves crashed in - 1st one made me unsteady (I was about knee deep) and before I could get out, the 2nd one kocked me right off my unsteady feet and the 3rd one smacked me down and was dragging me out as it it receded when he and the other guy were able to pull me out. My only injury was a wrenched knee (luckily it got better in about 2 days). I had a ton of sand in my hair and bathing suit and in places it's better not to mention.

This thread is a perfect example of why Trip Adivsor is a more helpful travel board.

lookg: You don't know anything about Hawaii if you don't know about the partying on or near the beach.

Law school classmates of mine who moved back - to practice law over in Hawaii - since 1975 anyway - have shared a lot of stories about the local partying scene and what sometimes happens, not to mention one of my bosses was a career Coast Guard officer - first stationed at a young Lt. for 3 years on Kauai after WWII (when there were very few places at Poipu). He even enjoyed fishing in the streams with Mr. Robinson, whose family owned a lot of land on Kauai and was at that time responsible for Niihau.

Later he served another tour - 3 years in the mid 50's - assigned to the Coast Guard office at Pearl Harbor - and he had been all over the Islands - and had investigated many different kinds of maritime accidents.

You are right Tomsd. I know nothing about hawaii. I know nothing about ocean safety. I know nothing about the locals that welcome me every time I go back. I know nothing. I am simply a nervous nelly trying to scare people out of the water. You are right. I am nothing. You know best, no matter how many people are endangered by your bogus advice.

And semir: While that was not a laughing matter - did chuckle at your comment about having sand everywhere. Know the "feeling".

Also glad you had your husband closeby. As I think you said in an earlier post - your balance/knees are not the best so hope you continue to have the ole guy around, eh?

Once in a while - we are worth it.

lookg: If the foo fits.............................

BTW - in Hawaii - they are like one big family in a way and many times - quite protective of each other - especially if it comes to investigations of accidents, or other matters.

One of my friends (a top trial lawyer in Hawaii - who does very well and he has a real presence in court as he is also a big guy physically - former football player at Cal) - was involved in a high dollar lawsuit - defending a deep pocket client - a large land owner.

The plaintiff/claimant (who was a local guy - about 20 years old) had fallen out of the back of a pickup - onto his head and had been badly injured - and his attorney was claiming the owners of the land were negligent in some fashion. (Hadn't put a big enough lock on the gate, preventing the locals from taking the road to the beach where they surfed - or some such theory).

The Plaintiff (and his companions/friends) has been drinking very heavily all day - as well as smoking copious amounts of Pakalolo - which his friend/companion on this trip - admitted to in open court.

When further questioned about how stoned/drunk the plaintiff was at the time he fell out of the back of the pickup - the friend admitted the plaintiff/injured party was pretty well hammered (slurred speech, tipsy, etc) - yet added: But he wasn't "critical".

I guess there are various degrees of sobriety in Paradise eh?

And as you may have surmised - the jury did not award the plaintiff any damages.

tom - you did read the article in the New York Times I posted?

And does the fact that those drowning are locals make the situation any better for tourists? If the locals who know the area and swim there on a regular basis have difficulty I would assume a tourist who is not familiar with the conditions could be at risk as well.

I would say that a good number of local drownings in open water do not occur in regular beach going, calm water swimming conditions.

Many of the drownings are due to complications happening while engaging in an activity like free diving, scuba diving or surfing. Whenever I hear about a non-visitor drowning, I immediately tend to assume it happened when they were free diving.

That is not the case chepar. Most of the drowning according to what I have read is not free diving.

oye

My point SeeHag, is that to make generalizations based on incorrect information is not helpful. One example is, it is not helpful to advise tourists that Kahalu'u Park is a great place to snorkel, when the local dive shops and University of Hawaii asked all snorkel shops in Kona to discourage snorkeling at Kahalu'u in order to give the reef there a chance to heal.

Oye vey dos. Kahalu'u Park south of Kona is a very good place to snorkel - but apparently has been under too much pressure - as was Hanamalu Bay.

And nana - did glance at your article. What was so newsworthy?

My point is the danger to tourists is even less than the number of drownings cited in the article - as they said it included about half locals - most of whom are males between the ages of 18 to 35.

Gee - who wudda thunk?

I did not say most. I said many. Where are you reading all of these drowning reports? I am assuming you are reading the local newspapers such as I am, every day?

This thread has gotten rather ridiculous and far away from the OPs original question. It is interesting to read all of the opinions from people who don't even live here in Hawaii, though.

read the article I posted chepar it may explain the problems.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/26/us/26hawaii.html

Water safety is important that is why I think it is cavalier to say swim where ever - most experts including life guards in Hawaii would disagree and incourage swimming at guarded beaches. As the drowing rate in Hawaii regardless of who it is (locals or tourists) is a major safety problem causing concerns and the state of Hawaii has one of the biggest problems in the US, after Alaska (which is due to boating).

I admit to swimming in Hawaii at unguarded locations myself, but I would never advise someone seeking advice on water safety to do so. Maybe that is just me.

Time to agree to disagree!

Pardon the delay - but was at a SD Rose Society meeting - which featured a very lively/interesting guest from NYC - who is running for the Board of the American Rose Society and I think she will be a great addition if elected.

Anyhow - yes, Seehag and also responding to a suggestion from semiramis - perhaps it would be best to start another blog on the subject of swimming/snorkeling in Paradise - perhaps entitled - Enjoy Hawaii and use your head - or some such.

For Nanabee - you have actually helped prove what I have been saying, and while I was mainly discussing/responding to comments about Kauai - for the vast majority of the 7 million visitors who annually fly to Hawaii - they have a great time and the vast majority do come back.

However - for the very very very small/fraction who do not - and perhaps most importantly for the first timers enjoying the warm ocean water - some planning ahead and being forewarned will make those tiny odds of a possible mishap even smaller.

Is that your source? I read the NYT article, and it doesn't tell me anything I don't know. However, I still don't see where it gives you information to back up your assertions on the cause of local drownings. In fact, it doesn't say anything except that nearly half of the yearly drownings are not tourists.

I would hazard a guess that daily readings of the local paper and watching the local news would give more accurate information. Being active in the dive community and knowing dive instructors, dive masters, boat captains, free divers and other people (surfers, boaters, paddlers) who spend much of their time in the water also gives me information.

No one has advocated to "swim where ever" on this thread. It started off with the OP asking for basic information, which was then responded to. The responses were really no different than many other threads that have asked the same things over the years here.

Then the thread devolved into this bizarre side topic with weird competitive "I know Hawaii better than you" tones.

I'm staying out of this campaign you and L_G (or whatever her current screen name is) have to disprove anything Tomsd says. Maybe a new thread should be started, as he suggested. However, I will stay out of it because what do I know, I just live here.